Nigel John Humphries

Nigel was born to Emily Sophia May and Gilbert Humphries in Axminster, Devon, England. After attending Colyton Grammar School Nigel studied at the University of Bath and entered an apprenticeship with the British Aircraft Corporation at Filton, Bristol, embarking on a career in aerospace. He worked on many civil and military projects, most notably Concorde, the supersonic airliner. Nigel married Carolyn Dance (née Jones), a widow from Newport, Wales, and took on her son, Robert, as his own. Two more children followed, Matthew and Rosemary. 

After several years employed as a stress engineer by Rolls-Royce Aircraft Engines, Nigel was recruited by General Electric in Cincinnati, Ohio, and brought his family to the United States. After retirement, he and Carolyn relocated to Spring Green, Wisconsin. 

Nigel lived a life full of adventure. As a teenager he volunteered with the St. John Ambulance.. He was a lifelong car enthusiast, winning many trophies as a rally navigator and following Formula One motor racing. He frequently attended air shows out of both professional and personal interest and was a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Nigel and Carolyn enjoyed gliding together, and he was a member of the Cotswold Gliding Club. He was an avid photographer and loved taking his family on vacations in both Britain and the USA. Perhaps most of all, he loved trains and building his model railway, which he designed to recreate the busy, steam-driven railways of southern England he remembered from his childhood. After moving to Spring Green, Nigel volunteered with a children’s robotics program at the local library. Always quiet and hard-working, Nigel nevertheless enjoyed a good laugh and appreciated the love of his family and friends. He had a lot of fun playing video games with his children when they were young. He adored animals, and in recent years enjoyed cuddling up with his cats, Ava and Mikey. 

Nigel was preceded in death by his parents and his granddaughter, Rhiannon. He is survived by his wife Carolyn, children Robert Humphries (Jenafer), Matthew Humphries (Bryan Bergman) and Rosemary Foley (Robert), and grandchildren, Rhys, McKayla and Scarlett. The family will always be grateful for the care he received from the Spring Green and Plain first responders and the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital during his final days. 

Nigel’s memory will be cherished by everyone he touched and all who loved him.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, please consider donating to Spring Green Ambulance, Spring Green Fire Protection District, P.O. Box 37, 327 South Winsted St., Spring Green, WI 53588. 

We welcome you to share your memories here on Nigel’s tribute wall. 

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